Facing The Fire with Jesus

Toni M. Babcock

Have you encountered those who criticize Christianity’s role in history as being regressive and ‘bad’ for mankind? 

They may view ‘organized religion’ as being self-serving and cruel, and ‘evangelical faith’ as being extremist or ‘authoritarian’. 

You may hear historical injustices bantered about like ‘the Spanish Inquisition’ or ‘the Crusades’. 

As for Jesus, they chafe at the need for a ‘savior’ and dismiss whatever Christ said about being ‘the way, the truth and the life’, (cf. John 14:6 KJV).

Interestingly, Jesus never once pointed to ‘organized religion’ as being the savior of the world. 

Instead, He foretold of a world awash with wars, false prophets, false messiahs, and empty professors of faith. 

He also promised, “As for me, if I am lifted up from the earth, I will draw all people to myself.” (John 12:32 CSB). Jesus named Himself as the key to faith — not religiosity.

In light of this, every unjust action that ultimately draws people away from Jesus can be traced to a failure to ‘lift Him up’. Someone or something has been elevated above the teachings of Jesus – thus the errant scheme fails to shine the Light of Christ or follow His path.

 
It’s a narrow path we are commanded to follow, but that’s exactly what Jesus said it would be, (cf. Matthew 7:13-14 CSB). He also said it’s a humble path. “…You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and those in high positions act as tyrants over them. It must not be like that among you. On the contrary, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant…” (Matthew 20:25-26 CSB).

 
Does the faith you’re confessing advocate servitude and lifting up the Savior? Or is it tyrannical and lifting up itself? Does it draw people to Jesus or drive them away?

The culmination of God’s prophetic word draws near. 

There will be persecution for true believers in Jesus. 

Let us ‘face the fire’ with Him ‘outside the camp, bearing His disgrace’ (Hebrews 13:13 CSB).

Toni is author of Reflections from the Heart in Light of the Gospel of Jesus. Contact